Comparison of manual therapy techniques on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic single leg balance in collegiate athletes.

Introduction/purpose: Literature consistently identifies two key examination components when managing ankle/foot pathologies: 1) dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) and 2) single limb balance. Mobilizations with movement (MWM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue (IASTM) are two emerging manual therapy (MT) options in the management of ankle/foot conditions.

Methodology/sample: In this observational cohort study, 147 subjects were randomized in a block fashion as follows: 1) Control, 2) IASTM, 3) MWM, and 4) Combination of both MT interventions.

Closed chain dorsiflexion and the regional interdependence implications on fundamental movement patterns in collegiate athletes.

Purpose: An association between limited ankle closed kinetic chain dorsiflexion range of motion (CKCDFROM) and movement dysfunction in the lower quarter is often implied, limited research exists linking CKCDFROM and gross movement patterns, such as the squatting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between CKCDFROM and movement patterns in collegiate athletes, as measured by the functional movement screen (FMS).

Materials And Methods: A quasi-experimental observational analytical cohort study with 147 athletes from five Division III collegiate men's and women's athletic teams were included in the study.

Movement patterns and neuromusculoskeletal impairments observed in a female Olympic Field Hockey team: An observational cohort study.

Purpose: The purpose of the cross-sectional observational cohort study was to quantify movement patterns and neuromuscular impairments in Olympic Female Field Hockey utilizing a standardized movement-centered assessment model.

Methodology/sample: A sample of convenience was obtained from the active roster of the 2016 USA Women's Olympic Field Hockey team. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and resulted in nine participants.

Intrinsic modifiable risk factors in ballet dancers: Applying evidence based practice principles to enhance clinical applications.

Introduction: The risk of musculoskeletal injury is multifactorial (Bahr 2005). Injury risk is a composite of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors that can be modifiable or non-modifiable. Ballet dancers have unique risk factors, due to the nature of their art and sport.

Development of a preliminary evidence-based neuromusculoskeletal exercise guideline to reduce injury risk in the lower limb.

Athletic participation growth has resulted in increased exposures and neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) non-contact injuries. Based on current evidence, the primary objective of this literature review is to create a preliminary evidence-based NMSK exercise guideline, addressing these intrinsic modifiable risk factors. Systematic searches were conducted September 2014 prior to data extraction utilizing CINAHL Plus (1995 to September 2014), MEDLINE (1995 to September 2014), and Academic Search Premier (1995 to September 2014).

Dynamic balance performance and noncontact lower extremity injury in college football players: an initial study.

Background: Field expedient screening tools that can identify individuals at an elevated risk for injury are needed to minimize time loss in American football players. Previous research has suggested that poor dynamic balance may be associated with an elevated risk for injury in athletes; however, this has yet to be examined in college football players.

Hypothesis: To determine if dynamic balance deficits are associated with an elevated risk of injury in collegiate football players.